The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is on the spot over the flawed process of issuing driving licenses following an expose by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
In an investigative report done by BBC Africa, the undercover journalist exposed a syndicate that saw illegitimate drivers acquire licenses without training.
The two undercover journalists, who have not been behind the wheel at any point in their life, managed to get licenses without having to sit the drivers test as required by law.
Posing as prospective clients, the two walked into two prominent driving schools, one in the Nairobi Central Business District and one in Eastleigh in search of a permit.
While they were met with officials who initially insisted that they take a three-week driving course and a subsequent test, they were offered 'help' when they insisted that they needed the licenses urgently.
Despite making it clear that he had not driven before, the official named Hassan at the driving school in Nairobi's Eastleigh estate claimed that he would enable him get a license at a fee of Ksh14,000.
"You don't have time, we will sort you out. We will book you for the test but you will not have to sit it. I guarantee you, 100 per cent that you will get your licence, "Hassan stated.
Silas, an official at the CBD institution, also agreed to the same deal - ignoring the allowed procedure since the client needed the document urgently.
"You may choose to sit the exam or not, all you have to do is pay the instructor Ksh3,500. But I can be done faster and you will get your licence," he noted, settling for Ksh15,000.
After about one month, both investigators got licenses. The male journalist who contacted the Eastleigh-based driving school had his details already uploaded in the NTSA system while the female got her smart card and as promised, earlier than her colleague.
However, for the former to get a smart card, he was linked to an official at the NTSA headquarters at Upper Hill named Jeremiah. The undercover journalist was asked to pay Ksh6,000 for the smart DL which would be processed within a week.
"There was another room where my biometrics and photos were taken before he asked to go home. Everything was done in broad daylight at the headquarters," the reporter revealed, adding that he had to pay the official an extra Ksh2,000.
Upon being confronted by the journalist, Hassan, who has since been suspended from the driving school, noted that he was working independently and even registered the client using a different driving school.
In addition, the expose also revealed the rot within Kenya's public transport sector, especially the flawed vehicle inspection process. This allows unworthy vehicles on the road, putting the lives of Kenyans at risk.
Speaking during the interview, the Chairman of the Road Safety Association of Kenya. David Kiarie, claimed that the system was flawed. He alleged that to prove the existence of discrepancies, he once took matatu in a bad state but passed the test at a fee.
"Our inspections are full of corruption. I have gone there with a vehicle which I have tampered with everything including the brakes yet the vehicle was given a sticker. It is a matter of money, you have it, your vehicle will pass any inspection unit," Kiarie revealed.
To verify the claims, the BBC journalists bought an old 14-seater-matatu. Before taking it for inspection, they took it to a city mechanic, who upon review, declared it unfit for use.
"The staring unit was worn out components and the gearbox is gone. This car is basically falling apart, I would say driving this car is a danger to the road," the mechanic confirmed.
They proceeded to the Thika NTSA Vehicle Inspection unit, where they met a fixer, James Mathenge, who claimed to have contacts at the NTSA test center. Mathenge walked around the vehicle and recommended modification on its exterior for it to pass the test.
He recommended a new paint job, a change of the windscreen and headlamps, blatantly ignoring the mechanical issues. The fixer demanded Ksh10,00.
"The vehicle requires more money because it has many faults. The only thing you should care about is that your vehicle passed the inspection, I will show you how things are done," he told the BBC.
However, the vehicle failed the test, owing to a poor paint job done. After a month, the same vehicle was taken for a second test and passed after payment of Ksh24,000.
"You know, the inspector came and looked at it. He noticed a spill in the engine oil, but I took it out quickly, "Mathenege noted
The PSV had received a permit, despite having faulty wiring and a detached fuel filter. Upon a second review by the mechanics, the vehicle was still in a bad state and was recommended for write-off.
The NTSA maintained that it was committed to ensuring road safety and implementing policy. It vowed to investigate the concerns raised following the expose.
